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Akira

1988·Movie
2h 4min·R
IMDb8.0Metacritic688.4Rotten Tomatoes88%90%

Where to watch

Crunchyroll

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Akira fingerprint

Relentless energy, stunning style, light on feelings.

Energy

Epic and pulse-pounding

Fast from start to finish.

  • Spectacle10
  • Adrenaline9
  • Fast Pace9

Heart

Wondrous

  • Wonder8
  • Catharsis6
  • Coming of Age6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor4
  • Absurdist Humor3
  • Wit & Wordplay2

World

The future, technology, and fantasy

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion9
  • Novelty9
  • Rewatchability8

Craft

Standout direction and performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction9
  • Acting8
  • Intrigue8

Style

Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography9
  • Editing9
  • Visual Stylization9

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightParty VibePublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want to half-watch while scrollingGraphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm

Find more like it

Suspense moviesVisually Stunning movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
Cyberpunk DystopiaPsychic PowersVisceral AnimationPolitical IntrigueTragic FateOrchestral ScoreMind-BendingDestructive RampageCult Classic

Crew

Directed by:
Katsuhiro Otomo, Yoshio Takeuchi, Hiraoki Sato
Written by:
Katsuhiro Otomo, Katsuhiro Otomo, Izo Hashimoto
Produced by:
Yoshimasa Mizuo, Shunzo Kato, Sawako Noma
Composed by:
Shizuo Kurahashi, Susumu Aketagawa, Shoji Yamashiro

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Akira

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Akira legally?

Crunchyroll

Akira is included with a subscription to Crunchyroll in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Akira worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Akira rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.

How long is Akira?

2 h 4 min

Akira runs 2 h 4 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Akira?

Critics78
Audiences85

Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see Akira much the same way.

Was Akira a box office hit?

Budget$6 million
Box office$57 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $57 million worldwide, 10.0 times its budget.

What language is Akira in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

In how many countries can I watch Akira?

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GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Akira in 61 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Akira use?

Really 700 Years OldScenery PornFaceless GoonsWham EpisodeMind over MatterDrama PanesCyberpunkCaptain ErsatzKill SatBattle AuraSpider TankBullet Dodges Youand 241 more

TV Tropes lists 253 storytelling tropes for Akira, including Really 700 Years Old, Scenery Porn, Faceless Goons.